51. Chên / Thunder
(Thunder above Thunder)
Description
Thunder echoes upon Thunder, commanding reverence for its father Heaven:
In awe of Heaven's majestic power, the Superior Person looks within and sets his life in order.
Thunder mingles with startled screams of terror for a hundred miles around.
As the people nervously laugh at their own fright, the devout presents the sacrificial chalice with nary a drop of wine spilt.
Deliverance
Analysis
A thunderbolt of Cosmic judgement crashes to earth.
For the common person, it's just a momentary fright soon forgotten, its warning unfathomed and unheeded.
But to one who understands its significance, this thunder is a signal to awaken.
Centering the Self, seeking balance, the enlightened person will respect and align himself with this Higher Power, while his fellows remain subject to the whims of every passing storm.
Changing Lines
Line 1
The thunderclap rips screams of terror from the hearts of all below.
After its last echo, only nervous laughter can be heard.
All is well.
Line 2
This thunder erupts from the ground beneath your feet, delivering real danger.
Abandon your belongings and climb to higher ground.
Don't grieve over treasures left behind.
They will return to you in seven days.
Line 3
These deafening thunderclaps will roll on eastward.
If they shock you into action, though, their passing will have left a permanent change for the good.
Line 4
If you run in blind terror from this thunder, you will end up hopelessly mired in the mud.
Line 5
Others run in confusion and terror from the violent thunderstorm.
Fully aware of the danger, you keep to the task that must be done.
Line 6
The lightning teeth of the thunder above and the yawning jaws of the earthquake below wreak havoc and ruin on neighbors around you, while you remain miraculously untouched.
There will be rumors and accusations.
Don't react, or their fate will become yours.